NATO’s Changing Threat Perception and the Place of Finland and Sweden in the Alliance
NATO’s Changing Threat Perception and the Place of Finland and Sweden in the Alliance

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the reasons behind Finland and Sweden’s applications for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership, assesses how compatible these two countries are with the Alliance, and evaluates the impact of their membership on NATO’s current position. The main question of the study is whether the inclusion of Finland and Sweden has strengthened NATO. In this context, the research examines NATO’s evolving perception of threats in the post-Cold War era, its enlargement policy, and the contributions of new members to the Alliance. The research employs a qualitative methodology, involving a literature review that draws from sources such as The Military Balance, NATO reports, data from international organizations, academic studies, and official statements. The study utilizes the frameworks of liberal institutionalism and realism to analyze the various dimensions of NATO membership, including cooperation, burden-sharing, deterrence, the balance of power, and security dilemmas. The findings indicate that Finland and Sweden contribute significantly to NATO in terms of military capability, defense expenditure, strategic geography, and institutional compatibility. However, over time, it will become clearer how well NATO fulfills the security expectations of these two countries.

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